TRIBUTES have been paid to a big-hearted, warm and generous Andover family man who died in a lorry collision last week.

The wife and children of David Ifould have spoken of their love and pride for the man who they describe as a devoted father and friend to many.

The self-employed driver died at the scene when his Mercedes-Benz lorry was in collision with another heavy goods vehicle on the A27 at Bosham, near Chichester, last Thursday, leaving behind his wife Heather and three sons aged five, nine and 16.

Mr Ifould, 55, was born in Loughborough and both his late parents served in the Army.

He met his wife 26 years ago when she was 17 and they married three years later at Andover Registry Office before settling in the town, more recently living in Hawke Close.

The father-of-three had been driving since he was 18 and, although he was not a biker himself, he had many friends in the biking fraternity.

He was also a keen fisherman in his spare time.

“His biggest love was undoubtedly his family,” Mrs Ifould said remembering her husband.

“He would do anything for any of us. He always told us we meant everything to him and he was never happier than when we were all together.

“We miss him terribly, but want him to be remembered and celebrated for the kind and loving man he was, he was popular with people in all walks of life.”

Sussex Police are still investigating the circumstances of the crash in which Mr Ifould died after his lorry collided with a stationary Volvo skip lorry before ploughing into trees at around 2.20pm.

The second driver, a 44-yearold man from Hayling Island, Hampshire, sustained minor injuries and was treated at St Richard’s Hospital, Chichester.

Appealing for witnesses to the collision, Sgt Richard Hornsey, leading the investigation, said: “We’d like to hear from anyone who saw the collision.”

Email collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101 quoting Operation Anglican.